1998 Subaru Forester Fuel system Problems
- Complaints
- 5about this part
- Share
- 5%of 101 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 98,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 5 complaints about the fuel system of the 1998 Subaru Forester, 5% of the 101 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 98,000 miles. 1 a fire, according to the filers.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“When at the gas stations I try to put gas into my car, it is not going into the tank properly, it keeps shutting the gas nozzle off within seconds. Very hard to put gas into my car.”
NHTSA complaint #10778898, filed 2015-09“1. Wheel bearings have consistently needed replacement starting 4 years after car purchased new. At 450.00 to 500.00 each time. This is a design issues and Subaru needs to pay of each replacement. 2. Fuel line leak. This is very dangerous and again listed many many time on all Subaru fix web sites. Cost to fix 1600.00 and more if fuel tank needs replacing. Again, Subaru needs to deal with this. These have been happening since car purchased. Car has been well maintained since purchase.”
NHTSA complaint #11311218, filed 2020-02“Driving 40 MPH another driver pointed out problem. Pulled over & noticed smoke from under the hood. Flames started shooting out. Fire department called & put out flames. Fire chief said fire orignated from fuel lines. Flames had engulfed vehicle in minutes. Vehicle totaled.”
NHTSA complaint #825101, filed 1998-07“Bad seal on o ring of oil dip stick caused oil to overfill transmission fluid, car would stall due to lack of oil pressure. Dealer fixed after third visit.”
NHTSA complaint #707551, filed 1999-06Fuel system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 3 | 9% |
| 2025 | 17 | 17% |
| 2023 | 2 | 3% |
| 2022 | 8 | 8% |
| 2021 | 7 | 3% |
| 2020 | 14 | 2% |
| 2019 | 22 | 3% |
| 2018 | 21 | 4% |
| 2017 | 11 | 2% |
| 2016 | 24 | 6% |
| 2015 | 57 | 9% |
| 2014 | 21 | 5% |
| 2013 | 2 | 3% |
| 2012 | 8 | 8% |
| 2011 | 5 | 3% |
| 2010 | 13 | 5% |
| 2009 | 10 | 6% |
| 2008 | 3 | 6% |
| 2007 | 12 | 16% |
| 2006 | 13 | 15% |
| 2005 | 22 | 24% |
| 2004 | 124 | 57% |
| 2003 | 57 | 30% |
| 2002 | 11 | 13% |
| 2001 | 10 | 7% |
| 2000 | 6 | 8% |
| 1999 | 5 | 4% |
| 1998 | 5 | 5% |
Other parts of the 1998 Subaru Forester
23 complaintsSuspension
17 complaintsBrakes
15 complaintsEngine cooling
14 complaintsVehicle speed control
14 complaintsTires
8 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
7 complaintsAir bags
6 complaintsElectrical system
6 complaintsOther or unknown
3 complaintsSteering
3 complaintsEquipment
2 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1998 Subaru Forester
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology